Bolivia: Bike Adventure in the highlands of the Andes

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From Lake Titicaca via the Salt Lake to the Death Road

Bolivia, the cradle of ancient cultures, is the heart of South America. Hardly any other country in Latin America is so original, both culturally and scenically. We meet the reserved, proud, predominantly indigenous people at their work in the gold mining towns, in the Salar de Uyuni with salt mining and in the fields with quinoa, corn and potato cultivation. Even today, the “cholitas” with their many colorful skirts and the typical bowler hats are part of the traditional village picture. During our adventurous journey we bike along the barren Cordillera Real, on the wide Altiplano at over 4000 m and down the death road into the tropical lowlands. The unique wildlife, the grandiose landscapes with volcanic cones, salt lakes, picturesque lagoons,

Highlights

  • Sun Island in Lake Titicaca
  • Flamingos at the colored lagoons
  • Biking on the largest salt lake in the world
  • “Carretera de la muerte”, the death road
  • Witches Market in La Paz
Difficulty Condition

Travel Program

We fly to Sucre (2800 m), the official capital of Bolivia. (However, the seat of government is in La Paz.) We take it easy on this first day in the Andean country, strolling through the alleys, visiting some sights and tasting the “mate de coca” tea, which according to the locals helps with acclimatization .

Overnight
Hotel

Meals
B/L/-

Today we get to know the beautiful surroundings of Sucre. We explore the impressive mountains of Chataquila on foot. With the bikes we take a leisurely rolling tour through a green valley to the Maragua crater.

Bike route: 20 km, 500 m
ascent

Overnight
Hotel

Meals
B/L/-

Initially with the support vehicles, then with the bikes we make our way to Potosi. Among other things, we enjoy a long downhill to the Rio Pulacayo. Thanks to silver mining, Potosi was one of the largest cities in the world in the 17th century, comparable to Paris or London. Even today, the mining of silver and tin is an important branch of the economy. It is not for nothing that the mountain next to the town is called “Cerro Rico”, rich mountain. On a walk through the silver city we visit, among other things, the Casa de Moneda, the former royal mint. Later we get on our mountain bikes again for the ride to today’s stage destination Cayara. The lower altitude is conducive to the acclimatization process. We spend the night in a historic hacienda.

Bike route: 25 km, 350 m ascent
Transfer: jeep 3-4 h

Overnight
Hotel

Mountainbiking
Biking

Meals
B/L/-

Today we bike through the Andean highlands and let the silence and the impressive landscape enchant us. On the way we make a stop at a silver mine and learn a lot about the mining and the hard life of the workers. Shortly before Uyuni we visit the unique railway cemetery, with its rusty steam giants from bygone times. They lie bizarrely in the deserted steppe and offer wonderful photo subjects.

Bike route: 23 km, 100 m
ascent

Overnight
Hotel

Mountainbiking
Biking

Meals
B/L/-

Our 4 x 4 vehicles take us to the starting point of today’s bike stage. Now it gets adventurous. We leave the dusty main road and bike along a secluded trail along glowing red rock formations. The high valley could be on a distant planet. Tired and content, we reach the original hotel built on a rock in Villa Mar. We enjoy a “mate de coca” tea and a cozy get-together by the warm stove fire.

Bike route: 40 km, 300 m ascent
Transfer: jeep 2 h
Overnight stay: original rock hotel in Villa Mar (4000 m)

Overnight
Hotel

Mountainbiking
Biking

Meals
B/L/-

We bike on gravel roads in secluded high valleys between imposing volcanic cones and past beautifully colored lagoons. In this spectacular landscape we can spot the shy vicuñas, flamingos and, with a bit of luck, viscachas, a native species of rodent, or even a desert fox. The wonderful light moods and the unique natural landscapes enchant us again and again.

Bike routes: Day 11: 42/70 km, 300/1000 m ascent, Day 12: 33/50 km, 350/450 m ascent

Overnight
Hotel

Mountainbiking
Biking

Meals
B/L/-

Today we experience one of the biggest highlights of Bolivia, the largest salt lake in the world, the Salar de Uyuni. After a coffee break on the cactus island Incahuasi, which is located in the middle of the salt lake, we jet over the flat salt crust. We experience the dimensions of this huge, white glowing salt surface, each in its own rhythm. We have enough time to take funny and original photos. In Colchani we learn more about salt production and stay overnight in a stylish salt hotel.

Bike route: 40/80 km

Overnight
Hotel

Mountainbiking
Biking

Meals
B/L/-

We take a domestic flight to La Paz. After a jeep ride across the barren Altiplano, we soon see the mighty, deep-blue Lake Titicaca on the edge of the snow-capped Cordillera Real. We mount the mountain bikes on the La Cumbre pass. Either on the main route or on uncompromising trails, we really let it rip through a rugged, secluded valley. We soon reach our destination, the former gold mining town of Sorata.

Bike route: 36 km, 200 m ascent
Transfer: Jeep 3-4 h

Overnight
Hotel

Mountainbiking
Biking

Meals
B/L/-

Today we also test our downhill qualities at high altitudes. Views into deep gorges teach us to fear. At the foothills of the two 6000m Illampu and Ancohuma, we let ourselves be chauffeured to the Chuchu Pass at over 4500 meters. Depending on our mood, we bike on demanding trails or curve down a natural slope. Beautiful plays of light and clouds accompany our descents through abandoned mountain farming villages – while the gold miners wonder what we are looking for up here. After visiting the San Pedro grotto, we pedal back to our hotel.

Bike route: 32/40 km

Overnight
Hotel

Mountainbiking
Biking

Meals
B/L/-

With the escort vehicle we drive through traditional villages and reach the strait of Lake Titicaca. A traditional, simple wooden ferry takes us to the other side. From here we swing onto the bike saddles and enjoy the hilly route over the back of the Copacabana Peninsula with beautiful views of the lake and the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real. For adventurous bikers, one of the routes leads on a single trail through wild terrain. If you prefer to take it easy, choose the gravel path. A boat takes us to the sunny island, where we reach our romantic accommodation after a short climb on foot, tired and full of impressions. It is surrounded by terraced fields and offers us a fantastic view.

Bike route: 35/50 km, 700/1000 m ascent
Transfer: jeep 3 h, boat 1 h

Overnight
Hotel

Mountainbiking
Biking

Meals
B/L/-

We let ourselves be enchanted by the first rays of sunshine behind the Illampu and enjoy the fresh, clear air. Today we lace up our trekking shoes and take a walk on the sunny island with fantastic views over Lake Titicaca. With reverence we learn some details about the origin of the Tiwanaku and Inca cultures and their sacred Lake Titicaca, which used to be the seat of the gods, as the sun god is said to have been born on this island. We treat ourselves to a typical lunch (more will not be revealed). There is enough time to relax or to explore on your own.

Trekking: 2-3 h (optional)

Overnight
Hotel

Mountainbiking
Biking

Meals
B/L/-

We take the boat to the lively harbor town of Copacabana. At least the crescent-shaped curve of the bay is reminiscent of the world-famous district of Rio de Janeiro. We have time to visit the town with its basilica built in Moorish style. The “Virgen Morena” (dark maiden) exhibited there makes Copacabana the most important place of pilgrimage in Bolivia. We then drive on a panoramic route with the jeeps in the direction of La Paz. The city is located at the foot of the local mountain Illimani in a funnel valley that extends at an altitude of 3500 to 4100 meters and on the slopes of which thousands of houses stick closely together. With the cable car we float over the huge sea of ​​houses. La Paz’s cable car network consists of ten lines and is the largest urban cable car network in the world. For the locals this is a practical and efficient means of transport, for us visitors it is an exciting attraction. There is enough time to stroll through the streets and to visit the unique, colorful and eclectic witches’ market and other sights of La Paz.

Transfer: boat 1 h, jeep approx. 3 h

Overnight
Hotel

Mountainbiking
Biking

Meals
B/L/-

With the escort vehicles we get to the starting point of today’s adventure: the descent on the “Carretera de la Muerte”, the death road. At the beginning still wrapped up thickly, we get rid of our many covers as the altitude decreases. The landscape changes impressively during the descent, from the barren mountain heights we reach a tropical forest. Looking at the deep gorges and tight curves, we are grateful that motorized traffic has recently been routed over a new road. Arriving at our destination for the day in Coroico, we enjoy the warm temperatures and the lush green vegetation in the tropical lowlands (Yungas).

Bike route: 65/73 km, 100/600 m ascent
Transfer: jeep approx. 2 h

Overnight
Hotel

Mountainbiking
Biking

Meals
B/L/-

After breakfast we visit (optional) the animal sanctuary Senda Verde. With great effort and commitment, the most diverse animals such as parrots, monkeys and Andean bears are cared for and find a new home here. The afternoon is free.

Bike route: 7/14 km, 100/600 m
ascent

Overnight
Hotel

Meals
B/L/-

Back on the El Cumbre pass we mount the bike for the last time. Passing mines and slate quarries, we enjoy the descent towards La Paz. From far up we have a wonderful view of the city.

Bike route: 20/25 km, 350/400 m
ascent

Overnight
Hotel

Mountainbiking
Biking

Meals
B/L/-

Resting day in La Paz.

Overnight
Hotel

Meals
B/L/-

Transfer from hotel to the airport (3 hours before our international flight).

Overnight
Hotel

Mountainbiking
Biking

Meals
B/L/-

Flight to Home

Overnight
Hotel

Meals
B/L/-

Arrival at Home

Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner

What's Included

Services included in the prices:

  • Domestic flight Uyuni-La Paz
  • Flight taxes and fuel surcharges
  • Support vehicle and transfers (jeep/boat)
  • 16 nights in a hotel in a double room
  • Breakfast the whole trip
  • 10 lunch meals
  • 8 dinners
  • Entrance fees and visits according to the programme
  • Local English-speaking tour guide
  • Bike Adventure Tours guide

Not included:

  • Meals and beverages not listed
  • Tips for local team
  • Flight Europe, USA, La Paz-Round trip
  • Transport your own bike
  • Cancellation cost and assistance insurance
  • Possibly small group surcharge

What to Bring

What to Bring or take fo Day Hiking and Technical Equipment for Climbing Expedition

This equipment list is compiled to provide you with adequate help when choosing your equipment for a climb. Most items are required. Please consider each of them and make sure you understand the function and exclusive use for mountaineering, before substituting or removing items from this list. Please note that this list has been carefully annotated by the organizer. Remember that mountaineering, climbing or mountain expeditions tours is an extreme, risky sport, therefore everything related to it is of great attention.

Hiking backpack for hiking 50 to 60 liters

Light gloves for hiking or (Optional Mittens waterproof)

Medium weight socks

Sleeping bag (-15º to 20ºC)

Small daypack for one day hiking 30 liters

Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)

Hiking boots or shoes

Medium weight parka with fibber fill or down

Rain poncho (or rain gear)

Long-sleeved shirts

Fleece or Wool sweater and/or trousers

Lightweight pants

Cotton short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts

Water bottle for hiking or trekking

Strong waterproof duffel bag

Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb

Towel for personal hygiene each participantFirst-aid kit

Regular and long underwear

Knife or multi-tool

Light cap and wool hat

Sunglasses with UV certification, Sun block, lips

The rest of the list Essentials as appropriate for your hike

Grooming and personal hygiene kit

One Hiking Buff per person

3 Locking carabiners, we recommended per person

We recommend 2 ice screws for each client

1 Daisy Chain (Life Line) per each person

2 Ice axes (per person) technical, we recommended GRIVEL company

1 ATC descender (Rappel), this is very necessary for technical mountains

2 Cords for prusik, very important (Size Cord 6 mm x 10 m. long)

Gloves(Good gloves) for expeditions over 6000meters

Harness for climbing

Sleeping pad / Mattress, we recommend with air or inflatable mattress

Crampons, we recommended GRIVEL company

Walking sticks – Trekking Poles (optional), a pair per person, we recommended GRIVEL company

Down Jacket for expedition

Very important to have personal clothing such as pants and jacket with GOROTEX certification

First aid kit, for high mountains, because we as guides cannot medicate clients

Backpack Capacity 60 liters, it is better to have a bigger backpack to go comfortably to the high camps, because here you have to carry all your personal things

Gaiters or Leggings, now modern boots already have built-in (Incorporated), but better to have an extra pair

Dressing appropriately for the mountains can make the difference between a pleasant trip and a really uncomfortable one. Clothing must provide the right degree of temperature, perspiration and be well ventilated. Preferably cotton clothing should be avoided, as in humid conditions they absorb body heat.

In general, the weather conditions in in the Andes of South America can vary from day to day and even throughout the day. Therefore, clothing must be versatile.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have regarding the necessary equipment.

Prices & Dates

FROM/TO

PRICE (USD)

TRAVEL STATUS

01 MAY 2024 / 19 MAY 2024

$ 3950

🟢

Join Now

FROM/TO

PRICE (USD)

TRAVEL STATUS

01 JUN 2024 /19 JUN 2024

$ 3950

🟢

Join Now

FROM/TO

PRICE (USD)

TRAVEL STATUS

01 JUL 2024 / 19 JUL 2024

$ 3950

🟢

Join Now

FROM/TO

PRICE (USD)

TRAVEL STATUS

01 AUG 2024 / 19 AUG 2024

$ 3950

🟢

Join Now

Please note: Insurance for emergency evacuation is required for this trip. Call for more details.

» Additional dates available upon request
» Rates may vary from July 26th to 31th for the national holidays

Prices (per person):

1 PAX2 PAX4 PAX6 PAX8 PAX10 PAX12 PAX14 PAX
7900 USD3950 USD3800 USD 3650 USD3500 USD3350 USD3200 USD3050 USD

Deposit for reservations: * — USD (– EUR) ✓ Full payment 40 days before. No refund if you cancel less than 30 days!
Places: 🟢 *Available
Trip-code: Number ►PE-404
Duration: 17 days
Participants: Minimal: 2 Maximal: 15
Members: We don’t have an open group to join – We can open a new group – Contact us!
Country / Location: Bolivia
Mountain Guide: Eric Raul Albino Lliuya
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!

3% early bird discount when booking 6 months prior to departure 2024

Legend Booking-information:
EZZ Single room supplement
🟢 On this trip, places are still available.
🟡 On this trip, only a few places left.
🔴 This trip is sold out / closed.

eric

Eric Raul Albino Lliuya

Expert guide certified by AGOMP
General Sales Manager of Peru Expeditions

Hans Honold | Certified Mountain and Ski Guide

For a trip with a Professional Certified Mountain Guide from abroad with your own language that you speak, please request us to get in touch. We have guides working for our company from all over the world who are members of IVBV/UIAGM/IFMGA Certified Guides.

It is very important to have accident coverage for trekking and climbing mountains, more if you go a technical mountains over 6 thousand meters, we oblige and recommend buying travel insurance with our partner Global Rescue, you get the peace of mind that the finest medical, security evacuation, field rescue, intelligence and telehealth.

Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

What our travelers or clients always ask questions before joining our trips, tours & expeditions, read all the information provided here.

Suggested FAQs

Every day we have active walks around approximately 4, to 5 sometimes 6 hours of walking, everything is according to your pace and physical condition of each person, in each of our travel programs you will find more detailed information, and if If you need more information about each day of the travel program, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts or questions, for this please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

For our mountain climbing trips: If they are easily accessible mountains: For easy-climb mountains, well, you don’t need much experience, but if you already want to climb mountains above 6,000 meters and the conditions become more difficult, we recommend if you already want to go through mountains above 6,000 meters, have a basic or intermediate course for a good preparation. It is very important to be physically, technically and psychologically prepared.

Regarding the preparation of children: Everything will depend on which mountain you want to climb with your children, once you are clear on which of our tours or mountains you want to go with your children, we can give you some advice or see how to prepare them before going with they.

Regarding older people: It all depends on the condition of experience and how well the person is in health, on many occasions older people are the best to walk in the mountains because they have more experience, so it is always good to ask and find out about their experience of older participant. If you have any other questions, please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

To do long-distance hiking you need to at least train or do some tours such as visiting lagoons to get the experience and feel comfortable with what you do, it is always good before doing a long-distance hiking tour to test yourself so as not to be with the problems of altitude sickness during the trekking, and if you travel with children it is good to first train them before taking them, if they are accompanied by an adult of legal age, they must do a good acclimatization before going on the long-distance tour or with high altitude camps If you want to know or learn more advice, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

The preparation is according to what type and what technical level you want to go and climb a trek or mountain, the preparation will always gain experience little by little.

For this type of demanding or technical climbing sports, it is recommended to do some summits above 5 thousand meters beforehand and have good knowledge of high mountain technical equipment such as the use of technical ice axes, ice screws, correct use of crampons, and of course all the technical material. For more information, we can schedule an appointment to be able to explain in more detail everything about the mountain equipment and the preparations prior to joining our outings. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

For the pick-ups of each trip, depending on the place or the trip that you are going to make with us, the meeting point is always at our office, in one of our trips we pick you up where you are staying or staying, or in some cases a A representative of our company will pick you up and then ship you to your transport to continue with your destination of the tour or trip you have booked with us. If you wish to request more information, do not hesitate to contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

In all our trekking or mountaineering trips we do not include personal equipment in our prices, so you have to have your own equipment: Personal equipment (such as boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex, etc. ) and also within each page of the trips that we sell is a small list so you can see it on our website.

Our company can also rent the materials that you would need for your trip, see the list here on our website: https://peru-expeditions.org/equipment-rental/ . For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

In our trips, either hiking or mountaineering: Depending on the type or destination of the trip that you are going to book, in some parts of the treks you go with mules or donkeys or sometimes with horses, and within the mountain trips, the approach camps are also They go with mules or donkeys, but there are some stretches where pack animals can no longer reach. In this part, our logistics is fully supported by the porters.

Who are the porters? They are people from the area who were born and live in the heights of the towns, they are very strong and are very acclimatized, the reason is that after the tourist season ends they dedicate themselves to agriculture and livestock for that reason they are people They are used to the altitude and have lived in nature all their lives and they are happy to be in the mountains together with our expeditions. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

About accommodation or meals during the tour: Well, depending on the type of tour, when the tour is a classic cultural tour or a city tour, we eat during the route in tourist restaurants and sleep in category hotels that the client has requested.

If the tour is with camps and trekking: During the activity, logistics we include the service of Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with traditional and typical meals of the region where you are going to travel with us, during the night we stay in tents, and we have a special tent for the kitchen and another for the dining room.

If the trip is at altitude or in the mountains: We bring special high mountain food, It are quicker meals to cook and we provide complete logistics such as Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and we sleep in special 4-season high mountain tents, with the best tents. If you have any questions or concerns, we can schedule an appointment via Whatsapp to clarify all your doubts and give you better information so that your trip is an unforgettable tour.

Safe and effective vaccines are available that provide strong protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Billions of people have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against COVID-19, help end the pandemic and stop new variants emerging.

We also recommend having accident insurance, we always recommend. We are Partners –Global Rescue. If you have any other questions about the trip we can schedule a date for a calling via WhatsApp. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

In mountains above 5000 meters: A local guide takes a maximum of 3 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide

In technical mountains: In large-big mountains we manage the travel policy, a guide and a maximum of 2 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

We as a local company and connoisseurs of tours have departures on different dates. The best thing to do is to join a travel group to take care of your budget, and of course you can join our groups, but on trips like mountaineering we recommend going in small groups. To join a group, ask us for the dates and we will send you the necessary information to be able to join any of our trips.

Why go in a private trip: For trips whether trekking or high mountains, going privately is the most recommended option, but the costs are more expensive. So, if one joins a group, the prices will be more reasonable. In the mountains, the only disadvantage is if you are in a wall with another partner and if one of the participants gets tired or gets sick. In this case, you have to abort or cancel the summit and return together. For more information, contact us. We can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify all your questions.

In a mountain, for example, if 3 people go and one of the participants falls ill on the route, for security reasons they have to cancel or abort the summit or return all together. The same in a technical mountain if the climbing partner gets sick they all have to return, for these reasons sometimes it is better to go private only because for a single person the costs are more expensive for the same reason that the trip would already be private .

For more information please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

About the meteorological conditions of the climate, we try to organize the trips of each tour in the best season to have the best views and enjoy the selected trip but sometimes even is good season we can have bad weather, in this case on hiking or treks trips The complications are minimal, but when this happens during high-altitude climbing expeditions, the complications can become very difficult, that is why the bosses or leaders of the local guides must always make the most correct decision for the safety of our passengers, so we always recommend listening to the best advice from the local guide assigned for each tour. If you have any other questions please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

Additional information

We help in the purchase of air tickets: we set up convenient flight options with each participant of the trip and book tickets such as international flights and domestic flights in each destination city of the countries that we offer our trips. We recommend you booking international flights tickets well in advance so we can find current flights offer prices from the airlines. In order for us to search for and book your flight, please contact us and we will be happy to help you!. → More information click here
About a Satellite Phone or inReach® Messenger - GARMIN: On each trip we recommend having a satellite phone at your disposal. The possibility of quick contact from anywhere on the mountain will guarantee your safety on the road. In case of need (for example, contact with the family or the travel company), for this service the participants have to request to rent a satellite phone, of course this service has an additional cost, contact us or ask our office for more information. A practical device is to have an inReach® Messenger - GARMIN also helps for any emergency. → More information click here
Many of the participants or clients of our adventures, hikes and expeditions in the mountains are people who sign up alone, but in some of our trips you will be able to find a travel partner companion to join a group. We have many options for you from day tours, short treks, long duration tours, and even the most extreme climbing high mountains on each country or South American continent and other destinations, as like the destinations you can see on our website. The mountains are a great place for rapid integration and a very healthy sport. → More information click here
Our mountain guides or tour leaders: All of our Tour Leaders are multiple conquerors of the peaks they lead the expeditions to. Each of our cultural guides, high mountain guides, mountainbike guides, among others are internationally recognized and certified guides, such as the certifications of (UIMLA) Union of International Mountain Leader Associations & (IFMGA) International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations. The mountaineering experience, skills and knowledge of your guides are a priority for us. → More information click here

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